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COMPTROLLER WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER FILES FOR RE-ELECTION
Annapolis, Md. -- Comptroller William Donald Schaefer filed for re-election today promising to continue to chase down tax delinquents and move the office further into the technological 21st century. The hallmarks of Schaefer’s tenure in public service are honesty, integrity, independence and an overriding belief that the purpose of public service is to serve people by helping them.
“I have the same commitment and passion for helping people that I have always had and I look forward to making the case for reelection based on my record. I am proud of what I have been able to do for the citizens of Maryland and I have every intention of building further on that record in my next term.
“All of us in government are hired hands. We’re supposed to work for people and not for our own glorification and advancement. No more. No less.”
For additional information or to view a video on Schaefer’s public service go to www.williamdonaldschaefer.com.
THE SCHAEFER YEARS AS COMPTROLLER
During much of Schaefer’s term as Comptroller, the State has faced a serious budget deficit that has impacted all of State Government. The Comptroller has played a major role in collecting additional revenues owed to the State and in enforcing laws that resulted in recovering taxes that were owed to the State and were not being collected. The financial benefit to Marylanders of the work of the Comptroller in these last eight years includes:
- Closed Delaware Loophole
Local businesses often struggle to compete with big national retailers who don't play by the rules. Schaefer closed a frequently used and costly tax loophole, allowing companies to shelter income, resulting in nearly $200 million returned to the state.
- Stopped Cigarette Smugglers
Recognizing the loss of tax monies and many smugglers’ connection with terrorism, Schaefer's agents have confiscated nearly half a million packs of untaxed, illegal cigarettes worth more than $4.5 million.
- Sponsored Tax Amnesty Program
Schaefer sponsored a tax amnesty program created by the General Assembly in 2001 that brought in $39 million from 18,000 taxpayers.
- Leveled the Playing Field
Schaefer worked to increase tax equity among individuals and businesses through the aggressive enforcement of tax laws. He increased collection efforts by publishing the names of delinquent taxpayers on the Internet, certifying liabilities to the IRS and collecting refund offsets, all of which netted more than $115 million.
MODERNIZING THE COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE
During Schaefer’s administration, the Maryland Office of the Comptroller has been a national leader in the use of technology to improve services to the public and to increase the efficiency with which the office operates. All citizens of the State have benefited from the initiatives that he has undertaken and his latest budget proposal for the Comptroller’s Office looks to build upon that record and provide even more benefits for the State through the use of modern technology.
Schaefer introduced free electronic filing and online searches for unclaimed property to make it easier for taxpayers to pay their taxes and reclaim what they are owed. He made increasing the number of online services a priority as a cost-saving effort, allowing funds to be redirected to needed services
As Comptroller, Schaefer has also used technology to make it easier for firms to do business in Maryland. Introducing online business registration, Web sites for specific audiences and free tax return filing has helped businesses fulfill their obligations quicker and with less hassle.